Cochlear electrode array

Abstract

An implantable tissue-stimulating prosthesis such as a cochlear implant system comprising an elongate carrier member having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode positioned thereon; at least one electrical conductor extending from one or more of the at least one electrode; a lead extending from the carrier member and enclosing the at least one electrical conductor; and a holding member constructed and arranged to radially extend outwardly from the surface of the carrier member to facilitate grasping of the holding member during implantation of the carrier member in a patient.

1. An implantable tissue-stimulating prosthesis comprising:
 an elongate carrier member having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode positioned thereon; 
 at least one electrical conductor extending from one or more of the at least one electrode; 
 a lead extending from the carrier member and enclosing the at least one electrical conductor; and 
 a holding member constructed and arranged to radially extend outwardly from the surface of the carrier member to facilitate grasping of the holding member during implantation of the carrier member in a patient, wherein a carrier member tube comprises one or more longitudinal and lateral slots on its surface, and wherein the holding member is mounted in the carrier member tube so as to be adjustable along the one or more longitudinal and lateral slots. 
 
   
   
     2. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the holding member is positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the carrier member. 
   
   
     3. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the holding member is an elongate member that extends longitudinally along a length of the carrier member. 
   
   
     4. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier member has a width; and wherein the holding member extends outwardly from the carrier member surface for a distance defining a height of the holding member. 
   
   
     5. The prosthesis of  claim 4 , wherein the holding member has a width that tapers for a portion of its height away from the carrier member body. 
   
   
     6. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the holding member has a width that varies along its height to define vertical regions. 
   
   
     7. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a support member that connects the holding member to the carrier member. 
 
   
   
     8. The prosthesis of  claim 7 , wherein the support member has a width that is less than a maximum width of the holding member. 
   
   
     9. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the holding member is removably joined to the carrier member. 
   
   
     10. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the holding member is rotatably mounted to the carrier member. 
   
   
     11. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the holding member further comprises:
 an indicia that identifies the holding member on the carrier member. 
 
   
   
     12. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the holding member is constructed and arranged to be manipulated by the fingers of a surgeon. 
   
   
     13. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the holding member is constructed and arranged to be manipulated by a surgical tool. 
   
   
     14. The prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the tissue-stimulating prosthesis is a cochlear implant system. 
   
   
     15. An implantable tissue-stimulating prosthesis comprising:
 an elongate carrier member having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode positioned thereon; 
 at least one electrical conductor extending from one or more of the at least one electrode; 
 a lead extending from the carrier member and enclosing the at least one electrical conductor; and 
 a holding member constructed and arranged to radially extend outwardly from the surface of the carrier member to facilitate grasping of the holding member during implantation of the carrier member in a patient, wherein the holding member further comprises an indicia that identifies the holding member on the carrier member. 
 
   
   
     16. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia comprises tactility of the holding member. 
   
   
     17. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia comprises a relative shape of the holding member and the carrier member. 
   
   
     18. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia comprises a color of the holding member. 
   
   
     19. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the holding member is positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the carrier member. 
   
   
     20. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the holding member is an elongate member that extends longitudinally along a length of the carrier member. 
   
   
     21. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the carrier member has a width; and wherein the holding member extends outwardly from the carrier member surface for a distance defining a height of the holding member. 
   
   
     22. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the holding member has a width that varies along its height to define vertical regions. 
   
   
     23. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a support member that connects the holding member to the carrier member. 
 
   
   
     24. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the holding member is removably joined to the carrier member. 
   
   
     25. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the holding member is rotatably mounted to the carrier member. 
   
   
     26. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein a carrier member tube comprises one or more longitudinal and lateral slots on its surface, and wherein the holding member is mounted in the carrier member tube such that the holding member is adjustable along the one or more longitudinal and lateral slots. 
   
   
     27. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the holding member is constructed and arranged to be manipulated by the fingers of a surgeon. 
   
   
     28. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the holding member is constructed and arranged to be manipulated by a surgical tool. 
   
   
     29. The prosthesis of  claim 15 , wherein the tissue-stimulating prosthesis is a cochlear implant system.